While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
